Raiders Fall to Hammers on Opening Night
March 16, 2013 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Richmond Raiders News Release
The Richmond Raiders entered 2013 with hungry hopes of returning to the PIFL Championship Game and bringing home the hardware. Instead, they have more questions than answers after the new-look Alabama Hammers dominated the second half en route to a 65-23 win at the Richmond Coliseum.
A week after struggling to score points or even get into rhythm on offense, the Hammers found a recipe for success with quarterback Russell Hill. After being pulled from their opener after three plays, Hill turned in a performance for the ages, throwing for touchdowns on Alabama's first nine possessions and racking up 340 yards on 30-of-41 passing. Jeremy Grier had four receiving touchdowns, and Charles McClain and Mico McSwain had two TDs and over 100 yards each.
After scoring late in the first half to break a 23-23 tie, the Hammers got the ball to start the second half, scored another touchdown, and never looked back. The Hammer defense held the Raiders scoreless in the second half, and picked off new Raider quarterback Warren Smith on the final four Raider possessions. Travis Blanchard had two interceptions and McClain had one. Benji McDowell added two second half sacks as the Raiders set franchise records for fewest in points in a half (0) and in a game (23), most completions (30), and passing yardage (340) allowed, and margin of defeat (42).
Smith, making his indoor football debut, was under pressure much of the night but showed some escapability, rushing for a three yard touchdown and scrambling several times for positive yardage. Fullback Mike Jones rushed for the Raiders' first touchdown of the season, but had to be replaced in the second half by a fourth offensive lineman to try to protect Smith from the increased and relentless Hammer pressure.
The Raiders took an 8-0 lead after scoring off the opening kickoff and getting the PAT and uno from T.C. Stevens, who set a career high with three unos. Smith kept the Raiders in the game but was inconsistent, leading three scoring drives but also being brought down for a safety and a sack. Still, the Raiders only trailed by seven at halftime, but Hammer head coach Dean Cokinos made his adjustments and the Hammers got their first ever win over the Raiders.
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Professional Indoor Football League Stories from March 16, 2013
- Hammers Roll 65-23 on the Road at Richmond - Alabama Hammers
- Raiders Fall to Hammers on Opening Night - Richmond Raiders
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